The next day came fast, like time had skipped ahead without warning, the night blurring into morning before Devon even felt rested.
He had slept deep after the long night at the hospital, his body heavy from the exhaustion, but now he felt fresh and focused, the ache in his muscles a reminder of yesterday's chaos but nothing more.
Claudia had texted early.
The drive to the convention center was smooth, traffic light in the morning sun, the city waking up with horns honking faint and people hurrying on sidewalks.
The place was buzzing already when he arrived, cars filling the parking lot like a puzzle, people in white coats and scrubs chatting in groups outside under the big sign, smoke from a few cigarettes curling up in the cool air.
The exhibition hall was huge inside, with big banners hanging high that said "Annual Medical Innovation Expo" in bold letters, lights bright and beaming down like spotlights, music playing soft in the background to keep the mood light.
